Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Imo State Police Command has announced the arrest of three suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), following an intelligence‑led raid on a terrorist hideout in the Nguru community of Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area. The operation, which took place on April 23, 2026, was carried out by operatives of the Imo State Police Command and resulted in the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons, ammunition, surveillance equipment, and Biafra currency.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, the operation was driven by actionable intelligence derived from the confessional statement of a high‑ranking IPOB/ESN commander identified as Ebube Uchenna Mmaduakolam, also known as “Ebube Virus.” Three suspects were apprehended during the raid and are currently in lawful custody. They are reportedly providing investigators with critical information concerning the group’s logistics networks, personnel structure, and planned operations.
A thorough search of the enclave led to the recovery of two General‑Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), 3,115 rounds of GPMG ammunition, one AK‑47 assault rifle, one pump‑action shotgun, multiple units of surveillance drones, and Biafra currency in various denominations. The seizure of the drones, the police said, points to an organised effort by the separatist group to conduct aerial surveillance and coordinate attacks within the South‑East.
Inspector‑General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu commended the operatives for their courage, professional conduct, and tactical precision in executing the operation. The IGP noted that the recovery of the substantial arsenal significantly degrades the operational capacity of the IPOB/ESN extremist network in the South‑East region and represents a decisive blow against their campaign of terror. He further stated that the success underscores the effectiveness of intelligence‑led policing and sustained inter‑agency collaboration in combating violent crimes across the country.
IPOB is a proscribed group that seeks to carve out the South‑East and some parts of the South‑South from Nigeria. It has been linked to deadly attacks in the two regions, though the separatist group has repeatedly denied any involvement in the violence. The arrest of the three suspects and the recovery of heavy weapons and surveillance equipment are seen as major victories in the ongoing nationwide campaign to suppress violent extremism and dismantle organised criminal networks.
The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerian citizens. Residents of Imo State and members of the public have been urged to continue partnering with security agencies by providing timely and credible information capable of assisting ongoing operations against criminal elements.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments